Moldova seeks Indian investment at Chisinau forum
The Republic of Moldova can serve as an entry point for Indian companies interested in the European market. At the Moldova-India Business Forum, organized in Chisinau on July 20, in the context of the visit of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Maia Sandu stated that our country relies on speed, talent and access to attract new investments and economic partnerships.
The head of state emphasized that the event provides a practical dimension to the historic visit of the President of India and can contribute to the development of new economic partnerships between the two states.
“The Republic of Moldova is a small and open economy. We do not compete by size, but by speed, talent, access and trust. We aim to be one of the most business-friendly countries in the region, by digitizing public services, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring fair conditions for all investors. You do not have to wait for our accession to sell to Europe from the Republic of Moldova. You can do it right now,” declared Maia Sandu.
The President invited Indian companies to view the Republic of Moldova not only as a market, but as a platform for connecting to European value chains. She also mentioned the existing cooperation in the energy sector, including the involvement of the Indian company KIC International in the construction of the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line, a project aimed at strengthening the Republic of Moldova's energy security.
“A platform for connecting with European value chains, a platform from which, at the right time, you can contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine, a place where your investment contributes to building a modern European economy from scratch. India knows how to transform ambition into scale, and the Republic of Moldova knows how to transform challenges into reforms. Together, we can transform this forum into a partnership, investments, and sustainable economic ties. Come to Moldova not just to trade, but to invest, produce, and innovate with us,” the head of state said.
Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan: “Test us”
The message was completed by the Prime Minister-designate, Vasile Tofan, who emphasized that the Republic of Moldova must be evaluated by its ability to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of the business environment. He encouraged Indian companies to test the advantages offered by the local market.
“My request is simple: test us. Bring us a serious project, identify the needs, and judge us by how quickly we respond to those needs,” said Vasile Tofan.
The Prime Minister-designate stated that investors require predictable rules, capable partners, and practical support. The Government, which he will ask Parliament to approve, aims to focus on reducing bureaucracy, digitizing services, and creating a business-friendly environment.
“Investors need to feel the difference. We promise less unnecessary bureaucracy, competitive taxation, digital services, and decisions made in a matter of weeks instead of years,” Tofan emphasized.
According to him, the Republic of Moldova can serve as a base for Indian companies in technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the pharmaceutical industry, and production aimed at the European market.
“The Republic of Moldova can provide a competitive foundation for production, packaging, and distribution of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified products, including generic medicines, medical devices, research, and services, with standards increasingly aligned with the EU market,” the Prime Minister-designate noted.
Vasile Tofan highlighted that the Republic of Moldova's advantage is its ability to serve as a gateway for Indian companies to the European Union and, subsequently, to reconstruction projects in Ukraine.
“It can serve as a platform for logistics, engineering, and services connected to both the European Union and, at the appropriate time, to the reconstruction of Ukraine. Companies in Moldova operate under a single 7% tax rate, replacing seven other taxes. For Indian software, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity companies, the Republic of Moldova can be a center for European development,” he added.
The designated Prime Minister also indicated that a measure of the success of the economic partnership between the two states would be the future launch of a direct flight from Chisinau to Bengaluru, a city in southern India known for its pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and aerospace industries, as well as for hosting numerous international companies with production or research centers in the area.
Droupadi Murmu: Indian companies are interested in opportunities in the Republic of Moldova
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, stated that the presence of a large delegation of Indian businessmen in Chisinau reflects the growing interest in enhancing bilateral economic relations.
According to her, there are opportunities for cooperation in several areas, including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
"The Republic of Moldova has a reform-oriented perspective, a strategic location, talented human resources, and increasing integration with European markets, making it an important destination for businesses from India," said Murmu.
The Moldova–India Business Forum is organized by the Investment Agency. The Indian delegation consists of approximately 30 businessmen who have travelled to the Republic of Moldova to promote trade and investment cooperation.
Droupadi Murmu's visit to Chisinau marks the first official visit of an Indian president to the Republic of Moldova since the two countries established diplomatic relations 34 years ago.
In 2025, bilateral trade between the Republic of Moldova and India reached 80.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 6.87% increase compared to the previous year. Currently, there are 75 companies with mixed Moldovan-Indian capital registered in the country.
With a population of over 1.4 billion, India is one of the world's largest economies and is experiencing one of the fastest growth rates among major economies.
